I was disturbed by Kathleen Parker’s commentary “Obama of two faces when it comes to religious freedom” (Feb. 11).
The concept of religious freedom, as I understand it, has to do with the ability of individuals to express their religious beliefs and practice without interference. It does not include the right to impose those religious beliefs on others.
If sectarian businesses are permitted to deny their employees birth control coverage or any other benefit because of the beliefs of the owner, this imposes those beliefs on others in a very direct way.
Expanding this to include other religions becomes even more problematic. If the owner of a business is Muslim, should they close the employee cafeteria during Ramadan, when fasting is required between dawn and sunset?
The idea of religious freedom is basic to the values of our country, and it is very distressing to see it distorted in this fashion.
Nancy D. Barber
Bath
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